Apprentice Applicator

Job Description Overview

The purpose of the position is to apply products safely and accurately to a wide range of labeled crops and sites from recommendations made by the Manager/Salesperson. This position also operates and maintains company equipment involved in these applications. This includes building and maintaining customer relations through application of products and providing feedback to customers and the location manager of field conditions that they note during application.

Upon annual performance evaluations, this role could lead to a Custom Applicator position.

• Provide quality application of dry fertilizer products and lime to customers in a safe and efficient manner.
• Utilize the information supplied and the technology in the application equipment to ensure that the right products at the right rates are applied to the right fields and customers.
• Assist in the mixing, loading, unloading, and transporting of crop protection and fertilizer products.
• Consistently follow all laws, regulations, and safety rules (including PPE) in handling and applying products.
• Obtain and maintain state commercial applicator certification and stay current with requirements.
• Perform daily inspection of equipment prior to field applications and post-application inspections.
• Maintain safety equipment in optimum condition in the applicator equipment and immediate work area; follow all safety regulations and guidelines.
• Maintain the appropriate applicator and equipment logs and ensure they are kept up to date.
• Perform the required calibration and preventive maintenance recommended for the equipment.
• Comply with regulatory guidelines in rinsing and washing down both in the field and at the location.
• Assist other team members in various physical duties necessary in running an agricultural location.
• Assist with operational scouting, product transportation, and various services for customers.
• Follow Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA, and DOT policies and procedures as they apply.

• High School graduate or GED; may be offset by experience.
• Valid driver’s license; must be able to meet a Motor Vehicle Review in accordance with company policy.
• Must obtain and maintain required state commercial applicator certification as required by state.
• Minimum of an Ag CDL or ability to obtain.

• Communicate effectively with team members and customers and represent Keystone in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to read, count, write, and to utilize technology to accurately complete all documentation, including understanding shipping/applicator orders and tickets, product labels, SDS sheets, warning signs and emergency procedures.
• Basic mechanical skills for daily maintenance of equipment preferred.
• Familiar with crop chemicals, nutrients, farming practices, and crop characteristics.
• Willingness to adapt to changing application technologies as well as seasonal variations in workload responsibilities.
• Use technology to accurately locate application sites and read field maps.
• Team player who enjoys the effort necessary to contribute to a successful operation and company.
• Required overtime as the season demands.

The employee needs to stay in good physical condition to regularly lift more than 50 pounds, climb ladders, perform preventive maintenance activities, and perform other physical duties necessary in running an agricultural location. Employee will regularly be required to walk, stand, lift, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, handle, feel and grasp.

• Health & Wellness:
  Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus wellness programs to keep you feeling your best.
• Financial Security:
  Competitive 401(k) with company match, life insurance, and disability coverage.
• Paid Time Off:
  Generous time off with pay to recharge and spend with loved ones.
• Career Growth:
  Training, development opportunities, and tuition assistance to help you reach your goals.
• Employee Discounts & Perks:
  Exclusive savings and programs to make life outside of work even better.